Anyone who knows me would agree that I am goal-driven. I like having a plan for everything- especially when it comes to my future. My sights have been set on computer science since eighth grade, when I was first introduced to coding. I have continued to expand my coding knowledge and love learning everything about computers. I am currently in an amazing job that involves technology analysis, game development, quality assurance, and regular coding assignments. I have taken a variety of technology-related classes that have honed my skills but haven’t determined precisely which career will best suit me. Majoring in computer science, attending different classes to further determine my interests, and continuing in this position at work will help me achieve my ultimate dream: finding or even creating a career that utilizes my strengths in this field, a career in which I can advance for the rest of my life. My remaining goals are intended to expand my horizons and motivate me to pursue opportunities I would never look for otherwise. I want to improve the world through the places I work, the way I interact with the people I encounter, and the home life that I lead. Taking a personal interest in the experiences of my future children will not only benefit me, but also benefit the many people they will help throughout their lives. Dedicating my time to learning at a university and graduating without debt will enable me to begin a stable career much sooner and dedicate those funds to a variety of beneficial outlets. I want the people I meet throughout my working years to be changed for the better because I was able to inspire them to be their best selves. When considering these other goals, I have found there are many instances where they align perfectly with my goals in the computer science field. Since I would like to work in an industry where I can make a difference, merely being a woman will alter the cultural norms surrounding STEM careers and help me promote the idea of women in technological positions. A career solely conducted via technology allows me the option of working partially from home, which means I will be able to be a better mother for my children while still maintaining my position at work. As I further develop my knowledge, I will be able to reach countless people working in locations all around the world. By continuing to strive for these goals, I know that I will have the opportunity to make the difference that I desire.

So there I was. Surrounded by friends and siblings, all jumping excitedly and yelling at each other. Attempting to beat Super Mario 3D World once and for all. We had been trying to 100% complete this game for years but had always fallen short on the final level: “Champion’s Road”. It was an extremely difficult level full of disappearing platforms and deadly falls that cost our little group hundreds of lives every gaming session. I gripped my controller, certain that this time, we would not fail. We had long since given up on Mario Bros. Wii, Mario Kart 8, and even any Mario Party game. This was the only game that united us and drove us to help each other rather than shove one another off the edge anytime a power-up got stolen. I had enlisted the aid of countless friends as we explored the myriad of gorgeous levels across more than ten worlds, but all had failed to finish “Champion’s Road”. Now it was time to finally end this. My younger sister managed to just land on a platform while the rest of us fell. “Stay where you are!” I yelled. “Wait for us to come back!” We burst out of our bubbles and ran for the next section, where we would have to scale a wall with only the aid of giant Pirahna Plants to boost us. Even as focused as he was, my friend couldn’t help humming along to the triumphant tune of “Gusty Garden Galaxy” that blared from the speakers. The soundtrack for 3D World is easily one of the best in the series, especially since it has all the greatest pieces from Mario history. He jumped from one Pirahna Plant to the next, reaching the top just before I did. Neither of us relaxed; we knew the hardest part was yet to come. The real reason we had never beaten this level was because every portion was difficult and there were no checkpoints! If we failed even in the very last area, we had to start from the beginning. We swam through a mine of spikes, hoping that if we hit one we’d be able to recover in time. Hours upon hours of effort had been put into this run. “Here comes the last part!” my brother shouted. “Let’s do this!” We burst onto blocks that sped our running, making it even more difficult to turn corners and avoid the lasers that flashed across the screen. We just had to grab five keys that lay on these blocks. Then the final flag would be revealed. My brother grabbed one before falling off the edge. My sister did likewise, though she had gotten two keys. I collected one before getting hit by an enemy. It was all down to my friend. He ran recklessly around corners, cheered on by everyone in the basement. He grabbed the last key and the end was in sight at last! We respawned and dashed toward the goalpost, screaming and crying as each of us touched it. We had done it. We had completed every single level in Super Mario 3D World. That was a moment, I knew, that would go down in history for us as the best gaming session ever.

My absolute favorite story is called Space Boy, written by Stephen McCranie on Webtoons. I found it my freshman year and instantly fell in love with it. I was struggling with loneliness and life in general and really related to the two main characters, Oliver and Amy. Their story of time travel and space somehow captured the exact hurt I was feeling and make me feel a little better at the same time. Oliver helped me learn to think logically and see struggles from a difference and Amy taught me how to treat people kindly and see the good in the little everyday things. They inspired me to take better care of myself and improve my relationships with the people I love as well. I treasure the life lessons I've learned from this beautiful story and still look forward to the weekly updates every Thursday.

My name is Maddie Smith And I really like to read. Some Chick-fil-A and milk- That's what I really need. I'm a high school senior With a year of college done. Even working part-time hours, I still find time for fun. I like to play music Did piano for ten years. Spiders in my bedroom: One of my biggest fears. I like to write as well Novels, essays, and the like. I enjoy aerobics, Also riding my bike. I always want to work I believe I will succeed. Scholarships like this one Are what I really need.

1a) Influence is a concept that is very difficult to achieve. It is only attainable when focusing on others and how THEY feel about things; to do it any other way would render it useless. Many people don't understand this and would claim that influence is the ability to make people do what they want. But is that true influence? I think not. Forcing others to bend to our will only results in resentment and rebellion. REAL influence comes from seeing people as people- human being with opinions, beliefs, dreams, and hurts as real as our own- and it means that they will heed and perhaps act on our advice and support because they know we care. 1b) I influence others through charity and empathy. When others talk, I listen. I give gifts, advice, or a shoulder to cry on. I CARE about people, and it shows. Because I see them for who they are, people respect me and like hearing what I have to say. 2) This time last year was difficult. I had just moved twice, changed classes at school and jobs, and gave up my first boyfriend. I was constantly stressed and overwhelmed with keeping track of everything that was going on. I had a hard time sleeping, lost my appetite, and struggled to muster enthusiasm for anything. But I knew I needed to keep going; I decided long ago that giving up is NEVER an option unless I tried my very best. I threw myself into my homework and new job and tried not to worry about what I couldn't control. I created routines and found hours of relaxing music to listen to throughout the day. Now I'm SO much better off and am a stronger person because of the effort I was willing to put in. 3) I'm planning to go into computer science and potentially specialize in video game development. I've loved playing video games since I was little and learning how to create them would be such a dream come true. They manage to portray beautiful stories and complex characters while still focusing on fun gameplay and creative solutions. I got into coding when I was in seventh grade and have only grown more fascinated with it as I continue. I'm hoping to do an internship soon and learn coding languages that have real-world applications. I hope to learn through my major what specifically I want to do in the realm of computer science and find a great career that will allow me to meet great people and create incredible programs that will bring happiness and hope to thousands. 4) Receiving this scholarship would mean a lot to me. I'm losing someone at my school to cancer in a few short months and it has certainly been a rough time. I would be honored to carry on the legacy of Jack and so many like him. He wanted to bring happiness to the world and that's exactly what I want to do too.

I'm a courageous soul. I have my goals in life and have worked to develop the means of achieving them. I'm a senior in high school and I can't wait to graduate and take on the adventures and challenges of college life. I'm the oldest of five and cherish the responsibility and example that comes with being a big sister. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, laughing, reading, writing, organizing, and coding. I like birthday cake flavored treats (like cake batter ice cream) and Costa Vida. I love to meet new people and learn more about their stories, no matter what walk of life they come from. I enjoy working hard and have been able to make amazing things happen in my life because I'm not afraid to put forth the effort and determination required to succeed. I want to change the world for the better and support my family. I hope to eventually become a part of a larger team and code something that will positively influence people's lives. I want to be proud of something I create and know that it will help hundreds that I could never meet in real life. I also hope that my involvement in such a large career will allow me the funds I need to have a family. I want to raise my children to become kind, helpful contributors to their community and I think the best way to achieve that is by providing them the most stable and love-filled home I can. Working together with my future spouse, I am confident I will be able to succeed in such a great endeavor. Computer languages and their applications to the world at large have always fascinated me. I started coding HTML in seventh grade and have loved coding ever since. I pick up languages very quickly so I've never had any problems learning to code something new. I also love the logicality of finding problems and then solving them. Organizing messes and finding creative solutions have always been some of my favorite skills that I possess. I would love nothing more than to create something incredible with my knowledge, something that will benefit this world I'm blessed to live in. STEAM gives me the opportunity and the means to accomplish that dream. I like that I could specialize in anything from software development to webpage design to even virtual reality gaming. The fact that computer science is so wide-reaching and provides so many varying opportunities has drawn me in from the very beginning. I've learned so much in the last few years and I can't wait to learn more. Ultimately, I hope my involvement in a STEAM career will give me the success and stability I desire.

Generosity means being willing to help others, even if you're not doing so great yourself. So many turn inward when things get tough. I've worked very hard over the years to instead look out and find someone else who could use my help when I'm feeling down. I don't hesitate to lend a hand whenever I see an opportunity. My relations with people are the most important things in my life, so it is well worth it to give what little I have in the hopes of making someone else's day better. I've decided to devote my life to being generous. I pay for people behind me in the drive thru, donate to the food pantry, and give at least ten percent of my monthly income to charity. I look for opportunities to meet people and lift them up whenever I can, even if it means sacrificing large portions of my time and energy. I help in little ways too, like holding doors open for people and smiling at them when I pass in the halls at school. I do all of this because I know how it feels to be the underdog. I've been through difficult things and I hated how weak it made me feel. I know what it's like to feel alone, like there's nothing good that this world has to offer, and like every single person is just looking out for themselves. I know what it's like to go without. Now that I have more than enough, I do everything in my power to give to those that need help. I strive for strong, real relationships and want to bring happiness to as many as I can. Living with generosity has made me a more genuine individual, and that means everything to me.

I'm scared of the future. I've done everything I can to plan for it, but I know that I can't plan for everything. There are so many unknowns, and it's those unknowns that I'm scared of. I used to stress constantly about what would and could and might happen in a dozen different scenarios. I was so afraid of failing that I didn't want to try anything new or unpredictable. I realized very quickly this was only going to hurt me in the long run. It took a lot of work, but now I'm able to stop worrying so much and focus on how I'm living right now. I do my best to live in the moment and take things only as I can handle them. If I'm starting to feel overwhelmed, I take a deep breath and just focus on the next thing I need to do in that moment. If I'm worried about something, whether that's the big test or asking someone to the dance, I remind myself of my past successes. Choosing to remember what I've done right helps me be braver about what's coming; I know I'll be able to handle whatever comes my way because I've gone through hard things before and I've still come out on top. I've decided to live every day making the choices that I know will lead me to my ideal future. I know things will be difficult along the way, but I'm not afraid anymore. I know I am strong and I tell myself multiple times every day that I will succeed. I keep my hopes high and my positivity higher and don't let them fall. I don't merely take opportunities; I go looking for them. Deciding to live every day bravely has made all the difference.

The meaning of life is such a unique, personal concept. Every person asked why they are here on Earth would likely answer something different. That being said, I know what my answer would be. Even when I was little, I think I knew what my meaning of life is: to love and be loved. I was blessed to be raised in a family with members that love and look out for each other. I've always known I am loved and I am enough- knowledge that so many are forced to live without. My big heart has enabled me to care very deeply about those around me as well, no matter what their race, gender, or political opinion. I'm here to love others. There are so many, some whom I know and billions I don't, that are hurting. Every single one of them is a beautiful human being that deserves all the love, kindness, and compassion this world has to offer. And yet, for one reason or another, they don't get it. I've therefore made it my mission to truly know and love the people in my life and do everything in my power to help them feel it. Whether I just text to check in on an old friend or conduct a service project for people who are struggling, I'm doing my best to show genuine love. The other reason I'm here is to be loved myself. I've always known that I'm going to get married and raise a family of my own someday. It's part of my purpose and is a goal I've been working towards for years. I know that loving others and being loved by my husband and children will enable me to have the best love this world has to offer, and that's all I need.

Serving those around me is my number one priority. Even when I was very little, my parents taught me the value to be gained by helping other people. They showed me how to donate money, took me to shovel snow or rake leaves for elderly neighbors, and helped me to take on bigger projects like cleaning buildings and re-painting playgrounds. Some of my best memories of my younger years involve taking treats to people or doing other things for them. As I grew older, I started finding my own groups to serve for. I created an account on justserve.org, joined Key Club, and my local youth council. I'm committed to being selfless because other people are the most important part of life! Always looking out for others- even just by remembering their name or saying hello to them in the hallway- has gotten me so much farther in life than I ever would have gotten by focusing on myself. And, as I've learned from incredible books like "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and "Leadership and Self-Deception", true personal fulfillment and genuine relationships come from truly, genuinely caring about others rather than yourself. I try to do at least one good thing every day that will help someone else. Learning to be empathetic and find ways to lift others up has always been my mission because I sincerely care about them and I know they deserve happiness and good just as much as I do. Service helped me learn to always watch for others, reach out to the hurting, strengthen the less fortunate, and be there when people need me. In short, helping others has helped me on the path to- and will help me become- the best kind of person I could possibly hope to be.

I'm so blessed to be living in such a beautiful world! One thing I've learned throughout the years, however, is how likely I am to take it for granted. Every little thing, from a spoon to a cell phone, is honestly a wonder and makes my life easier in so many ways. I think it's all too easy to forget all these wonders and focus on the negative and dreary, so I've made sincere efforts to remember how lucky I am and think how I would feel if it were suddenly gone. The biggest way I've tried to ensure I appreciate the amazing things I have is to keep a gratitude journal. Every night before going to bed, I write down at least one unique thing that day that I am grateful for. This little act helps me to focus on the things that make me happy each and every day, and looking back at all the things I'm glad to have and experiences I treasure give me strength and help me to look forward to my future with peace instead of fear. Another part of my attempt to live with gratitude involves service. I am sincerely grateful for the things in my life, but I am grateful for the people in my life so much more! Along with a thing I'm grateful for, I also record one act of service that I've done each day. Even little things like holding doors open for people or smiling at them can make all the difference in the world. I constantly look for ways to show my love and appreciation to every person I encounter because they truly deserve it. Showing my gratitude has certainly enriched my relationships and, by extension, my view of my entire life.

Serving those around me is my number one priority. Even when I was very little, my parents taught me the value to be gained by helping other people. They showed me how to donate money, took me to shovel snow or rake leaves for elderly neighbors, and helped me to take on bigger projects like cleaning buildings and re-painting playgrounds. Some of my best memories of my younger years involve taking treats to people or doing other things for them. As I grew older, I started finding my own groups to serve for. I created an account on justserve.org and was able to help with several community events, such as our annual SummerFest, a huge event with dozens of vendors and hundreds of people. Once I started high school, I joined the North Logan City Youth Council. We met at least once a month to do a noteworthy service project. Our little group has conducted all sorts of projects with nationally recognized groups such as Little Lambs, Key Club, and CAPSA. As I grew older, I took a leadership role and started helping plan further activities, which helped me to reach out to even more people who needed it. Besides being a good way to find others who loved serving just as much as I did, I loved being a part of this group because it allowed me to reach more people and make a bigger impact than I had ever done before. We sold snow cones to raise money, made blankets to deliver to hospitals, and gathered donations for the local food pantry. Through working in the youth council alone all of high school, I have completed at least fifty hours of service. I was able to learn and grow throughout all of that time, and my love for the people I was helping grew immensely. Being a part of that was one of the best things I've ever done. Service in general has taught me one of the most important lessons in life: other people are the most important part of life! Always looking out for others- even just by remembering their name or saying hello to them in the hallway- has gotten me so much farther in life than I ever would have gotten by focusing on myself. And, as I've learned from incredible books like "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and "Leadership and Self-Deception", true personal fulfillment and genuine relationships come from truly, genuinely caring about others rather than yourself. Learning to be empathetic and find ways to lift others up has always been my mission because I sincerely care about them and I know they deserve happiness and good just as much as I do. Service helped me learn to always watch for others, reach out to the hurting, strengthen the less fortunate, and be there when people need me. In short, service has helped me on the path to- and will help me become- the best kind of person I could possibly hope to be.

I'm very interesting when it comes to hobbies. I like anything from camping with my family to playing Tetris to organizing board games. My hobbies vary throughout the years, but the three that have remained my favorite are coding, practicing piano, and reading. I was introduced to coding in middle school. I took to the weird languages almost instantly and haven't stopped since. I love thinking through problems and having the means to solve them however logically makes sense to me. I find coding occasionally frustrating but also extremely involved and fun. I've taken all the coding classes my high school offers and they have always been the most relaxing for me. I actually plan to pursue a career relating to code in the future due to this love that I have developed over the years. I also enjoy playing the piano. I've taken piano since I was seven, so now I'm at a point where I can hear a piece of music, think it's pretty, find sheet music for it, and learn to play it. I've even done some of my own arrangements when I can't find a version I like. I find playing piano very relaxing and a good way to express how I'm feeling. I hope to continue playing as I grow older, and maybe someday teach my children the talent as well. I've loved reading for as long as I can remember! Reading is a great way for me to take a break from this life for a minute and experience someone else's. I grow so close to characters from various series and have learned from their examples. I love exploring the worlds these authors have created and hope to write my own novel someday. These hobbies are a GREAT part of my life!

Confidence means that I can do hard things. So many people are afraid to try, so they hide their talents and settle for less. They'd rather stay in their comfort zones than rise above and reach for their dreams. Being able to attain confidence has meant that I've gone farther and tried harder. Having confidence means I'm not afraid to defend the people I care about, as well as myself. I'm willing to speak up, volunteer for projects, and help others. Choosing to be confident has resulted in feeling better about myself and living boldly. I've worked hard my whole life to develop a good level of confidence. Even if I'm uncertain in a situation, I've decided to give it my best and see what happens. I trust that others know what they're doing and that I'll be able to catch on quickly enough. I might be afraid of failing, but I'd rather try my hardest and fail than not even try at all. One of the best things I've learned is to focus on my successes, not my setbacks. There have certainly been times that I could have done better, but I feel better about myself when I choose to focus on what I've done right in my past. Overall, confidence gives me the ability to go forward without looking back and has given me so many opportunities that I never would have had otherwise.

My life has been difficult but good. I've been blessed with a family that loves me and has always provided for me, but they haven't done everything for me. I've had to work hard to get many of the things I wanted in my life. I used to resent that, but now I understand it. I'm used to trying my hardest and I never give a job less than my very best effort. Now I believe I will be able to make all my hopes and dreams come true because I'm not afraid to work for them. My family has also taught me to value the lives of others. They have taken me to perform service in our community, helped me donate clothes and food, and taught me to reach out to others and help them when they're having a bad day. Growing up serving even when I sometimes didn't want to has increased my capacity to love tenfold. Giving of my time is one of my favorite ways to show I love the people in my life as well as those that I might never meet. I hope to spend the majority of my life looking out for others in any and every way I can. My life has certainly had trials, though. Being the oldest forced responsibility on me, as my siblings are always watching my example. Struggling to remain positive and being a pretty inflexible child has resulted in lots of tears and unnecessary stress. Learning to overcome these challenges and countless others has definitely made me a stronger, kinder person. I know that there will be more difficult things coming in my life, but I know I will be able to face them and come out on top. I'm not afraid, for I'm meant to succeed.

Maybe I'm too driven, but most of my biggest goals have existed since I was little. I feel like I've spent my whole life working towards these goals, and some of them I may indeed spend the rest of my life reaching for without ever quite achieving them. All of the little everyday goals I make center around these three all-encompassing goals. One of these goals is to establish a strong career founded on a college degree earned without incurring any student debt. I've taken several college classes in high school, studied extensively, and become invested in my interests. I plan to major in computer science and have taken every class available to me related to the subject. I enjoy learning and can't wait for college. Another goal is to someday get married and raise a family. I like teaching and guiding and would find great joy in raising my own children to be kind, hardworking contributors. I hope to gain much personal fulfillment from this undertaking, though I know it's one not many choose anymore. My biggest goal is, to put it concisely, to be a good person. I love other people and want to help them in every way possible. I enjoy community service and regularly donate to charity. I work hard to see people smile. Working every day to achieve these goals has made me the person I am. Any success I have enjoyed is solely because I was willing to put in the work and had people to support me. By continuing to plan for college and a career, strengthening relationships now and searching eventually for my future family, and serving those around me as well as those on the other side of the world, I will grow into the person I've always dreamed of becoming.

My bucket list has always been pretty simple compared to others. While my dreams might not be as grand or as exciting as daredevils I know, they still mean everything to me and I plan to work as hard as I can to achieve them. One of my biggest goals is to establish a good career off a college degree- all earned without incurring student debt. I've taken several steps in the last few years to reach this goal. I've worked since sophomore year to save money, researched various colleges to compare prices, and taken classes in high school for cheaper prices. I am very invested in things relating to my career and I like making plans that will ensure my success in future years. Another huge goal of mine is to get married and have a family. I want to be able to carry out my career and raise my children simultaneously, providing some of the income our family will need while also taking the time to teach my children all the values I hold so dear. I think spending time with the people that matter to you is critical, so I want to spend as much time with my husband and children as possible. I work now to have healthy relationships with my own family and friends to prepare for that eventuality, and I date guys who are respectful and hardworking. Overall, I think the thing I want to do most is bring love and happiness to all those I meet. So many people hurt and are sad and I want to be the one that lifts them up when they are down. I want to make a positive difference on my corner of the world, and I live every day trying to meet that end.

My biggest motivator is my dreams. From a very young age I have had high goals and difficult expectations for myself. Some of these were influenced by my religion, the people I love, and my hobbies. Many of my goals are tied to my religious and moral beliefs, such as one day getting married and having a large family. I constantly strive to grow, improve, and do good to others. I believe in working hard for the things I want and throw myself into every day. I only get the chance to live through this day once, so why not make the best of it? My friends and family also give me the energy I need to keep thriving in life. I love spending time with them, whether we're watching cheesy kids' movies, playing board games, or exploring nature. Being with people that love and care about me is one of the best things I could ever ask for. My family has always given me encouragement and support, even when I have encountered failures and difficulties. They never stopped believing in me and are the ones that taught me to believe in myself. My friends are willing to listen to me and care for me when I need it, and it brings me great joy and personal satisfaction to be there for them as well. My hobbies simply make me happy. I love playing Tetris, organizing things, listening to music, and reading. I love learning and want to continue my education into college and a successful career, so I have a goal to make it through college without incurring any debt. I do little things every day that pick me up and encourage me to carry on, and they make all the difference.

Relaxing is difficult for me. I'm an overachiever who often bites off more than I can chew. This has resulted in a host of issues, but it generally means I'm constantly focused on the next thing I need to do. It became apparent pretty quickly that I needed to make time to relax; being constantly stressed, loaded with work, and exhausted wasn't doing me any favors. So, I decided to do whatever I could to help myself relax. I relax in a variety of different ways. I watch uplifting videos and movies with cheesy happy endings. I left a job of stress and sometimes rude people in favor of one that lets me listen to music and organize things, a talent in which I take particular joy. I've learned to mentally relax even while doing homework by listening to calm music. I spend time only with people who life me up and make me feel good, and rely on them for help when I need it. I also make sure to stay active and regularly go for walks and hikes to appreciate the beauty of nature. I think the biggest things I do to improve my mental health are to take regular breaks and to tell myself positive things. If I feel myself getting too worked up, I take a couple deep breaths or take a minute to get a snack and a drink of water. I also remind myself that I'm doing great, that I can do hard things, and that I've already come so far. Telling myself these things every day keeps my spirits up and helps me be strong. Taking time to relax helps me get work done faster and, ultimately, makes me feel better about life overall!

I used to be a very mean person. I was pretty cocky and thought everybody liked me throughout most of my life, especially in middle school. I was therefore very surprised to discover at the end of eighth grade that nobody particularly liked me nor wanted to spend time with me. I spent a pretty lonely summer, trying to figure out where I had gone wrong and, ultimately, what I needed to change. I started ninth grade a pretty different person. I was determined to be nice to people, regardless of their popularity status or whether or not they wanted to be my friend. I held doors for people, left nice notes in lockers, and tried to learn the names of the peers in all my classes. I didn't really understand what I was hoping to accomplish, but I knew being kind would start me on the right path to genuinely belonging and being liked. As I went throughout high school, I started caring less and less about myself in favor of learning about other people. I was excited to find out other people are interesting! I started talking less and listening more. I started doing my best to be there for people who were struggling and needed a friend themselves. I signed up for service clubs and donated to charity funds. I found I really care about other people! I now go to great efforts to understand others and try to feel how they feel. I do my best to help them and encourage them to grow into their best selves. Even if I don't have all the answers, I am still there for them. I have grown to truly love others and am truly loved myself.

Spending time in nature is one of the best ways I've found to get in touch with myself and my feelings. It allows me to just be, all while in a place that is defyingly beautiful. Nature to me is more beautiful than anything a human could ever create, and the wild randomness of it all always leaves me in awe. I love the way frost traces each branch on the trees, the sound of little waterfalls, and the sky when the sun is setting. My phone is filled with pictures of starry skies, dew-covered grass, and flowers in full bloom. Nothing I've seen in my life has ever come close to recreating the breathtaking majesty of nature at its finest. I do my best to appreciate nature in the little things I do every day. I try to go camping at least three times every summer, just to get away from the stresses of life and appreciate this beautiful world that I live in. I rake leaves, shovel sidewalks, and work in my own garden. I do my part to recycle and reuse materials rather than getting more. I love riding bikes, going for walks, and going hiking too. I am constantly amazed by all the life around me if I can just pause from my everyday focus long enough to get out in nature and truly appreciate it.

This world is such a big, complex place. Nations war and communities starve. Politicians argue and problems go unsolved. Babies are born and consequences are delayed. There seems to be an infinite amount of problems for each of the billions of people in this world. And yet, so much of it could be restored if every person were to make this sentence their life's motto: "Treat others how you would want to be treated." I know this sentence has been around for a long time, but it has been used so often that the real meaning and intention has been lost. I think the world needs to start truly trying to live in accordance with this sentence if we are to start seeing any positive improvements. It may require a higher level of thinking, but the effort of every person would make all the difference. Learning to see others as real and important would improve a host of issues: everything from driving to charity donations and work to international relations to positive communication. We may not be perfect, but any effort in this direction is better than no forward movement at all. We are in a sort of crisis when it comes to other people. Most of us are concerned with only the people in our communities; anyone that is outside our bubble of interactions is meaningless and is nothing to worry about. This mindset has to change. People with nothing thousands of miles away give everything because they are willing to see others as equals. They see others as intelligent human beings with very real needs and emotions, not as mere objects to be used and abandoned or as inferiors that are undeserving of love. If we want this world to change for the better, we must change ourselves.

My best skill is definitely my ability to work hard in the face of failure. Even though I might find myself unable to end up where I want to, I am determined to give everything my all anyway. My perseverance could be summed up in the old adage: "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." I have dreams and I do everything I can to chase them. If I never accomplish them, then I'll still be a much better person than I would have been if I'd never been brave enough to try. One good example of a time I applied this mindset was this time last year. I had recently moved houses twice within two months, switched my job, broken up with my boyfriend, and started entirely new classes at school. It seemed like too many things were going wrong in my life and I didn't know when they would start going right again. I decided that I still needed to give every day my best shot though because giving up would have definitely made everything worse. Refusing to quit and deciding that trying was still worth it allowed me to pull through all of the challenges at that moment of my life and emerge stronger and better equipped to handle big life changes. I work to improve this skill every day. I'm on the brink of really beginning my life: starting college, a career, a family, etc. There's a lot of opportunity for failure, but there's also a lot of space for growth from those mistakes. I know that working tirelessly, improving bit by bit, and preparing for my daunting future will all give me the best possible chance of ultimate success.

I hope to leave a modest legacy that I could be proud of. I want people to remember me for being kind, hardworking, and dedicated to the people I love. I don't want to change the whole world; I'm content with changing my small portion of it. I plan to leave my world- the people I've met, the knowledge I've gained and taught, the environment and nature I've appreciated- a better, happier place than I first found it in. Family members who have preceded me have largely influenced the legacy I want to have. My great-grandma, who I visit at least once a month, has lived a great life and is still living on her own at age 90. She has seen so much, and her lessons and advice have helped me greatly. She encourages me to pursue my interests, develop my talents, and strive for the best things in life. She wasn't afraid of hardships and she was able to accomplish some amazing things in her life, leading to the 30+ great-grandchildren she has now. I hope someday to be as brave, strong, and peaceful as she is. I want to work my whole life emulating the lives of my family before me. I want to be successful, useful, and- most of all- happy. I want people to remember me for my goodness because it means that I was able to do something right in my life. It would mean I had achieved my goals and made my wildest dreams come true. By establishing a good impression on all those who meet me, working hard in any job I am given, and raising my children to be helpful and kind, I hope my legacy will be one of a woman who did her best and had a life well-lived.

I've read so many books throughout my life it was really hard to decide what book I find the most inspirational. One of the many inspiring books I've read is Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson. It's the fourth in a very lengthy series and the stories of the various characters give me so much personal strength. The book takes place in a nation that is riddled in war. The world's slaves have suddenly risen up and various kingdoms are falling by the day. The few remaining people that remain who think peace can be negotiated have taken refuge in a hidden city, but they are discovered close to the beginning of the novel. It becomes clear quickly that it would take several people with incredible power to save everyone. However, the heroes in question are each struggling with various mental illnesses, physical ailments, and imprisonment. The main character in particular has had a long battle and has contemplated suicide a few times before. It was finally in this novel when he decided that he was worth it and that a possible tomorrow is ALWAYS worth the fight today. He had originally decided to give up fighting and merely hide away as a surgeon, but close to the end of the novel he finally decides to take up his spear and protect everything that matters to him. I take this as personal inspiration because I and several people I care about fight our own battles with mental illness every day. Seeing it defeated so gloriously gives me strength and hope that the things I do really do matter and truly do make a difference. Being able to know that life is difficult but it is definitely worth it to fight for those you love makes it worth it.

I love serving others! I have grown up caring deeply about those around me and doing my best to help them. From a very young age, my parents have provided me with countless opportunities to help others and make their lives better. My family and I have donated money, cleaned and painted buildings, volunteered our time at several different food pantries, and taken countless treats to our neighbors. My parents also stressed the importance of being kind, something I have deeply taken to heart. I make great efforts to be positive and uplifting in my communications with my siblings, friends, teachers, and people I pass in the street. As I grew older, my parents encouraged me to start branching out and serving on my own. With the aid of my youth group, local notice boards, and nationwide websites just as JustServe, I was able to serve at community fund-raising events across the county. I joined my city youth service group, which teamed us up with nationally recognized groups including CAPSA and Little Lambs. I started holding doors open for people in between classes and trying to include everyone in my friend group. Now I'm vice president of the Key Club and a member of several other service clubs as well. I try to do at least one act of service every day, whether that is volunteering to serve lunch, writing nice notes, or merely smiling at people I see in the halls at school. I make great efforts to learn the names of people in my classes, help others at work, and do extra chores at home as needed. Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing the people around me happy and knowing I'm part of the reason they feel so good.

I have been pretty ambitious when it comes to finances. My parents have worked hard to ensure I understand the value of money and the expectation of eventually providing for myself in the near future. They stand out from their families, both of whom are steeped in debt and struggle to get by. I have therefore decided to follow in my parents' footsteps and set the difficult but not impossible goal of making it through college without incurring any student debt. The investing tip that my parents taught me that I've really taken to heart is that of saving my money rather than spending it. Every month, I calculate how much money I've earned. I donate ten percent to charity work and then put at least twenty percent into savings. I usually do more than that because I know that I might have lots of money now, but I will likely hit hard times in my future where I could really use that money. I think of all the things I could have now, but choose not to in hopes of being able to have the money to repair a broken car part or pay an extra month of rent later. I've worked all through high school and amassed quite a bit of savings that I plan to use to help me pay for college. My savings could end up covering anything from books to food to rent, and that's worth all the fancy gadgets and candy I'm giving up now. By saving money every month, I'm actively working to achieve my goals and make the best investments for my future.

The pandemic has definitely been a blessing in disguise for me. It has honestly been interesting to look back and see how much better my life has become because of something so terrible. I was involved in choir at school and my biggest problem was trying to find a date for the next girl's choice dance when schools closed in spring of 2020. The next thing I knew, I was trapped at home with my family and my only escape was to a job where I had to wear masks and gloves constantly, which made my skin unbelievably dry. I was so surprised to discover just how much fun I could have with my family now that school was finished by 11am every day. We did picture scavenger hunts, played countless board games, and built Lego cities. We spent more time camping and exploring nature. Looking back, that has been one of the best times in my life. I am now much closer to my family than I had ever been. I spend time with them whenever I can and they have rallied around me during my failures as well as my successes. I love them all so much.

Being patient is critical to my success, which is something I’ve only learned through tough experiences. I am not normally a patient person, preferring as most do to get what I want right now rather than waiting until later. It has been thanks to hard work and diligence that I have been able to gain some patience and realize the importance of delayed gratification. Perhaps the best example that taught me patience has been preparing for college. I’ve known since freshman year that I wanted to attend some sort of school after high school, but I had no idea what. While I would have loved to have all the answers right then and there, I didn’t. I instead started working in earnest to figure out where I wanted to go, what I wanted to major in, and what I needed to do to get accepted. I took all sorts of classes and talked with counselors and teachers, which helped me to decide on a superb university and a great major. I have worked hard and taken advanced classes with the hope of getting accepted to the college of my dreams. While I would much rather have had things guaranteed to me from the start, I definitely would not have worked as hard if I had already known everything beforehand. I might have missed out on some great experiences and truly might not have been as certain as I feel now. Being patient is therefore important to me because it gives me more time to improve my skills. It makes me more excited to work towards my goals and makes them all the more fulfilling when I finally achieve them. Being patient makes me a better person, and that is certainly one of the best things I could ask for.

My “why” is pretty simple: my hopes for the future. I want to become someone that will hopefully change people’s lives for the better. I want to help others and see them achieve their greatest potential too. I want to graduate college and establish a stable and rewarding career. I want to get married and raise children that will be happy and good contributors to society. It is all of these dreams and more that give me a reason to get out of bed every day and try my hardest to be the best me that I can possibly be. I was in my sophomore year of high school when my mental health started declining. It briefly got better, but then steadily grew worse as school shut down from the Coronavirus and I was more or less trapped in my house. I felt like a failure for not being able to inspire my siblings to do their chores and the house was constantly a mess no matter how much I cleaned. These two seemingly small triggers and others were the start of a slippery slope that landed me in a very dark place. I did my best to escape this on my own at first because I didn’t want to admit I had a problem. I got several books, but nothing in them worked. I eventually got therapy, though it was very difficult for me to admit I needed help. The therapy helped me immensely and I was able to make a steady comeback. My junior year, however, had other plans. An unexpected move, a breakup, a new job, and more had me back in that dark place. However, I knew this time what I needed to do. I was able to use the tips and counsel I had gained from my therapist as well as personal trial and error. I got to a point where I was at least able to do what life required me to and, a few months later, I was okay again! There are several critical lessons that I learned from these experiences. I think the foremost of these is that I am loved and people really do want to help me. Religion helped me recover and feel that I am enough no matter what failures I experience in my life. I know that help and relief are possible, but I also know it only comes after tireless effort and a realization that nobody expects perfection all the time. I learned to be okay with my emotions and now know that I do have the strength to overcome challenges and become great. I know how to work through my difficulties and have no trouble asking for help when I need it. I think my story is inspiring because I was able to overcome and succeed in spite of those challenges and I want others to know they can do it too. So many with mental health feel like they are all alone but that simply isn’t true. It’s important for others to know that they aren’t alone and someone always has their back. I’ve seen too many of my friends and others I know suffering because of these issues, and I’ve done whatever I can to help them. I want to be able to help people realize they are not broken or unfixable, merely bruised and hurting. I want to bring hope and comfort to those around me, and that’s the biggest “why” of all.

Imagine a world that looks a little different from the one at present: a world where people smile at each other as they walk past, kindness and consideration are shown to all, and nary a harsh word is heard. Though this may seem nigh on impossible, I believe it could be attainable if everyone were to strive for one thing. I want to see more love in my community, my country, and the world at large. I do legitimately think that, if people were to make love their priority, if they sought to first understand and love others rather than hate them because they’re wrong, then so many problems in our world would be erased or at the very least reduced significantly. I do my best daily to make what difference I can in the lives of others with the hope that someday I’ll have the resources and abilities to make a larger and greater impact. With a little more love, people would be kinder to each other, more willing to give what they have, would be more accepting, would realize the consequences of their actions, would consider how to help rather than hurt. They wouldn’t be obsessed with excessive gaining, would likely find more purpose in their lives, would strive to see their’s and their family’s needs met and would try their hardest to be good people. Crime rates could drop because people would realize how those actions would hurt others, and taxes and other money issues may be lessened because those on top would be more willing to provide or make things fair. Like the Black-Eyed Peas song that asks, “Where is the love?” there is so much hate and animosity between everybody, and honestly, it’s frustrating. When did our society degrade to the point that people can’t even show basic respect for others, regardless of how they dress, what they think, how they act, or what they say? Why must we be so divided when we were once so united? For changes in the world, the country, and my own community, I want to see people thinking of others. I want to see people treating others with respect and dignity rather than immediately assuming they meant to offend or that the world owes them something. I want to see a world where people aren’t afraid to walk the streets, where children will be protected, and where the better off are more than willing to lend a hand to those who need it. I spend a great deal of time helping others and trying to make a difference. When I was younger, I heard some wise words from some wonderful people that inspired me to spread my love to everyone. As the oldest of five kids, I have always felt it is part of my responsibility to comfort my parents or siblings if they are hurting, and I make every attempt to do my best and stay on top of things so that life runs as smoothly as possible. I attend basketball games and choir concerts frequently to show support for both my siblings and my friends. I made sure I knew when all my friends’ birthdays were and gave them treats. When I started high school, I became extremely involved in service clubs and volunteer projects. I love using my time to help others and make their lives better in whatever ways I can. I would hold doors for people, say hi to anybody I knew by name, leave nice notes in people’s lockers, and spent a large amount of time making sure my friends were happy and having a good time. I allied myself with Key Club, my local city youth council, and organizations both local and worldwide through the aid of sites like JustServe.org. I used to volunteer at the county hospital, as well as at the local library. I often do service projects with my youth group as well, doing everything from clearing falling branches to leaving nice notes for a family whose mom passed away to raising money for non-profits like the Little Lambs Foundation. At the end of my life, I want to see people walking down the streets, smiling as they pass others. I want to see kind actions and friendly faces. I want to see good people doing their best to help each other along this rough road that is life. I’ve already given so much of my time, and I plan to give much more yet, to bring about this change in any way I can. I serve, teach, and give aid wherever I can. I strive to lift others up instead of bringing them down. I hope that, by my small actions, I will ultimately be able to make this world I live in a slightly better place.

My faith means everything to me and is in fact the sole reason that I have decided on a career in computer technology. A few years ago, I had no idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Many careers seemed equally interesting and no one stood out to me any more than the others. I knew I needed to make a decision soon so that I could start taking the necessary classes to prepare. I prayed much during this time and tried to keep my options and mindset open. At the end of the school year, a chance discussion with a teacher led me to have absolute certainty about what exactly I wanted to do. She knew I liked math, coding, and logic puzzles, so she suggested computer science as a career path. I had never really thought about it before, but from the moment she mentioned it, I knew that I was meant to major in computer science. That inner confirmation was all I needed to begin researching the career and classes in earnest. I've taken every coding class my school offers and I'm taking other classes that will give me greater opportunities in college. Technology has become meaningful to me throughout my experiences and impressions. My faith was what led me to computer science in the first place and I have no doubt that I will be able to accomplish great things because of that. I am so grateful to have that certainty.

"I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul." These words summarize the intent of my favorite poem, "Invictus", by William Ernest Henley. The poem to me is an internal dialogue of the things I tell myself when I'm overwhelmed by trials. It has an underlying sense of assurance while delivering a powerful message of perseverance. This poem resonates with me because it seems to perfectly capture my determination to succeed, my desire to never give up, and the ability to make my own choices. I read this poem often when I am struggling as well as when I am doing great because they are words I need to hear all the time. It inspires me to keep going and keep having faith that I will be able to achieve my goals and even my dreams. The poem says an "unconquerable soul" is what brings success. I think this is very true; every person is confronted with difficulties, but only those with the unfaltering drive to succeed are able to actually do so. Even with no guarantee that I'll actually be able to succeed, I have resolved to at least give it my very best effort. Never giving up has always been one of my strengths. I have certainly struggled, but that has served only to increase my efforts. I decided a long time ago that giving up was not an option, no matter how hard things got. Even when I fail tests, lose friendships, or have doubts, "my head is bloody but unbowed." Even if I struggle to find peace and hope right now, “it matters not”. Tempting though giving up may seem, I don’t want a life that’s easy, not to mention I likely would never be able to live with the knowledge that I gave up. The last stanza reminds me that, ultimately, the only thing I can control is myself. It doesn't matter what may happen to me because I am the one who chooses how to respond. "The fell clutch of circumstance" comes to everyone, and thus it can't be to blame for my failures. And, as I mentioned before, I choose to make my own success. Because I actively made that decision, I have no reason to fear "the menace of the years": my past, present, and future. While this world grows ever darker, filled almost to the brim with “wrath and tears”, I choose to believe I can make things better. I try to live every day better than the last and help others as I go. The future may be bleary and uncertain, but it “shall find me unafraid.” Deciding for myself to never give up and to succeed no matter the odds has allowed me to accomplish great things in my life. “Invictus” expresses my perseverance and dedication better than I ever could myself. It has inspired me to live a better life and not be afraid of what may come my way.